The Research Institute is the highest level of recognition of research excellence within Curtin University, and there are currently six operational. Both nanotechnology and biotechnology are highly topical areas, nationally and internationally, and nanochemistry forms a bridge between the two (ie, it spans physical and life sciences). During the past decade, Curtin has built the expertise and techniques in areas (such as crystallization and materials characterisation) that naturally lead into a substantial nanochemistry capability. It is thus timely to establish a Research Institute as a vehicle for focussing on strategic areas of research within nanochemistry in order both to enhance the reputation for research excellence, and also to bring the research to commercial fruition.